More on DCU’s Plans for Lexington Center

DCU hopes to open its 20th branch in Lexington Center sometime in early- to mid-November, according to a company spokesman.

The largest credit union in New England has signed a lease for the space at 1751 Mass Ave, the former home of 344, and hopes to build out the space as 3,100 square feet of financial services over the next few months, according to John LaHair, public relations manager for DCU.

What was once the site of a young women's clothing store will be filled with six offices, several teller pods and an Internet café, LaHair said told Patch.

“We’re really looking forward to making our mark,” said LaHair. “When we go into a community, it’s not only a banking relationship that we establish. It’s also making a difference in the community through our educational and charitable initiatives.”

To that end, LaHair mentioned future participation in town events, in-school educational initiatives and a classroom sponsorship program in which DCU would purchase the kind of classroom items teachers sometimes pay for out of their own pockets.

DCU has been looking at opening in the area for some time, and already has a core base of existing members around Lexington, LaHair said, noting existing locations in Burlington and Waltham.

With the Lexington location, DCU plans to offer a full compliment of financial services, including opening accounts, taking loan and mortgage applications, commercial lending, investment and financial planning and real estate services.

“The credit union philosophy is ‘People helping people,’” said LaHair. “Since we’re owned and operated for the members, we’re committed to making a meaningful and positive contribution to not only the financial wellbeing of our member but the communities that we’re a part of.”

DCU’s anticipated hours in Lexington will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.